Getting there
Galicia is part of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area (through Spanish representation), which is very handy for travel as this allows for internal freedom of movement. Simply check that all necessary documents and/or visas (when applicable) are in order if travelling from outside the EU.
For instance, if you are travelling from North America, Australia or New Zealand all you need is a valid passport; you don’t need a visa for a short tourist stay in the EU – up to three months – but do make sure your passport is valid for at least six more months.
These conditions also apply for many other countries in the world. If in doubt, please check with the relevant authorities.
- Flying to Galicia
Galicia has three international airports: Alvedro (city of A Coruña, airport code LCG), Rosalia de Castro-Lavacolla (city of Santiago de Compostela, airport code SCQ) and Peinador (city of Vigo, airport code VGO, the closest to our base in the city of Pontevedra).
There are a number of direct flights from and to Alvedro and Peinador such as Lisbon, London-Heathrow, Madrid, Bologna, Dublin or Barcelona.
However, the Rosalia de Castro is the main Galician airport, with regular and seasonal direct flights from/to London-Gatwick, Dublin, Basel, Geneva, Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Zurich, Bergamo, Frankfurt-Hahn, Madrid, Barcelona, etc.
Good offers can be found with major airlines: Ryanair, EasyJet, Iberia, TAP, Aer Lingus, Vueling, Air Europa, etc.
Another feasible option is flying to the neighbouring Sá Carneiro international airport, in the Portuguese city of Porto (OPO). This is a mere 1h10 drive to the Galician border, 1h40 to Pontevedra city (on toll motorways) although train and bus connections might not be as convenient.
- Taking the train
The two main train lines into Galicia are from the cities of Porto (Portugal) and Madrid (Spain). The service is relatively slow, although the introduction of a high-speed train should improve this situation (it’s under construction and they’re finishing it up anytime… they say 😉 )
Internal train travel in Galicia is efficient on the so-called “Atlantic corridor”, namely between the cities of A Coruña and Vigo with stops in Compostela and Pontevedra.
Railways in Galicia are managed by the state-owned company Renfe. Trains from Madrid are therefore operated by Renfe, yet the Porto train is operated by Comboios de Portugal.
- By bus and car
Road communications from and to Galicia are quite good, with modern motorways connecting Galicia with Spain and Portugal. Roads inside Galicia are also good for the most part. Making sense of the broad array of bus companies, routes and destinations is a different story altogether… 😀
If you’re driving do bear in mind that the main north-south motorway (AP-9) is a toll road. Toll roads are indicated in blue with the code “AP-” and then a number. Free motorways are also indicated in blue with just the code “A”, and then the number (for example the A-52 in the south connecting Vigo to Ourense and then Madrid).
Toll motorways are not the cheapest but they are often the best option if you just want to get to a place quickly and with no hassle.
Weather
The climate of Galicia is temperate and rainy, with drier summers. It is usually classified as Oceanic, with Continental influences in the southeast.
In other words, weather conditions will depend a lot on the season and the region of Galicia you visit. You are, after all, in Atlantic Europe, even if it is southern (hence milder) Atlantic Europe.
Expect summer days to be warm and sunny, yet the odd rain can happen and some evenings may feel a bit chilly. Likewise, winters have their share of storms and gales. But then again we often get weeks of amazing weather right in the middle. Spring and Autumn see ever changing weather and most of the rain.
You can use the Pontevedra climate chart as a reference, where Galicia Unveiled is headquartered, even if Pontevedra has a somewhat better climate than other parts of the country.
For current weather conditions check Meteo Galicia, the official weather service from the Galician Government. Remember that we will go on with the tours except in very rare occasions.
Internet and communications
Mobile phones operate on a GSM network, which means that for Europeans – and visitors from many other countries – your current phone will most probably work in Galicia. Still, you might want to check that with your carrier before coming over (many North American phones won’t work!).
Free internet/wi-fi is widely available at hotels, bars, restaurants, etc. It shouldn’t be difficult to find hotspots where to connect at no cost or, well, while having a coffee.
Health services
The Galician public healthcare system is fairly good, well equipped and with competent staff. Waiting times, however, may be long unless you have a really obvious emergency.
If you are a EU (+ Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) citizen, you are entitled to a free European Health Insurance Card. This will give you temporary access to the Galician healthcare system. Please note that you must get this card before travelling since these cards are issued by your national health insurance provider. Failing to do so might incur in otherwise easily avoidable costs.
If you are not a EU citizen it is then advisable to get travel insurance. Having said that, public hospitals cannot refuse treatment for emergencies (at a cost and involving subsequent paperwork). Private hospitals are also available in major cities. Private healthcare is not particularly faster but it is often good value for money compared to the US and most northern European countries.
Emergencies and safety
Galicia is one of the safest destinations in Europe. Terrorist threats are unheard of, the overall crime rate is low and violent crime is very rare. Just observe the usual caution when visiting larger towns and cities, as pickpockets may be in operation.
Alcohol-induced behaviour may occur during weekend nights and festivities. Use common sense avoiding boisterous or rowdy crowds and individuals.
Illegal drug trafficking and drug-related activities are not uncommon in some specific locations. However, this seldom transpires beyond those places and very rarely affects the occasional tourist.
- Emergency (free) numbers:
Dial 112 for general emergencies (multilingual service, including English – dial this number if unsure, they’ll take your call in your language and assess the situation from there).
Dial 061 for medical assistance / ambulance.
Dial 080 for the fire brigade.
Dial 092 for (local) police.
Facts and figures
Population: 2.7 million.
Area: 30,000 km2 (approximately the size of Belgium or the US state of Maryland).
Languages: Galician and Spanish (both official; most of the population is bilingual). Communication in Portuguese is fluid. English and other languages are taught at school, but the level is generally poor.
Currency: Euro (€).
Political organisation: Standard Western parliamentary system. Elections are held every four years.
Political status: Galicia is an autonomous territory within the Spanish State, following a process of devolution initiated in 1978. Galicia holds the designation of “historical nationality”, as stated in the Spanish Constitution and Galician Statute of Autonomy, which also regulates its internal organisation and institutions, including the Galician Parliament and own Government.
Symbols: Flag, coat of arms and anthem. National day is on July 25th.
Territory: Administrative Galicia is divided into 53 comarcas or bisbarras (regions), 316 concellos (municipalities) and 3,781 paróquias (parishes). Galicia has more than 33,000 settlements. A number of territories with strong Galician influence remain outside administrative Galicia, in the Spanish regions of Asturias and León. Northern Portugal is also strongly akin to Galician culture. Galicia and North Portugal form, in fact, an official “Euro-Region“.
Terrain: Galicia is very hilly in general with higher mountains in the east (up to 2,127m), central plateaus (chairas), ample estuaries (rias) and a myriad of valleys and rivers.
Still unconvinced? Check this, see if we can persuade you a little bit more! 😀 Wondering about “Where and When”? We’ve got that covered too!
Do contact us if you have any questions.
Galicia Unveiled 